Julie Ann Art

Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Simply Just Lovely

2013-05-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

Today I'd like to introduce you to Erin, of Simply Just Lovely today! I love the sense of style that she depicts not only in the clothes she wears in her outfit posts, but also in the jewelry she makes. Here she is:

"Hey my name is Erin and I make jewelry over at SimplyJustLovely and blog about my life and personal style here. I design simple, delicate jewelry perfect for everyday wear. I have a love for the simple things in life which is represented in all my necklace designs.

By day I am a high school fashion teacher and by night I am a jewelry designer and momma to a beautiful baby boy. I live a creative lifestyle and design and craft any chance I get. I have been designing jewelry for as long as I can remember and recently decided to share my designs with the world."

Show Erin some link love here:

Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Blog

Erin is offering one lucky reader $25 credit to her shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

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My Elevate Conference Experience

2013-05-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

I attended Elevate Conference last weekend. I found out about it through Kimmie's personal Facebook page. I realized it was literally 10 minutes away, with some of my favs (Erin, Kimmie & Ashley) on the speaker panel and was like omg I have to goooo! I originally got wait listed since the conference was sold out and I am so so glad that a spot opened up last minute that I got to snag.

The excitement of getting a ticket quickly turned into nerves. The morning of the conference I woke up nice and early and spent way more time getting ready that I usually do. My mind was racing. Will I make a good impression? Will I recognize people? Will people recognize me? What if I'm all by myself while everyone else carries on conversations with each other? (Is this normal or am I just a freak?)

When I showed up and walked in, I had a minor panic attack since the scene looked sort of like my fear of "everyone carrying on in conversation, all knowing each other except me" but then I saw Erin. I bee-lined for her, hugged her. Phew. I knew someone. It's going to be ok. Now calm the eff down and DO THIS.

(Oh heeyyy Kimmie and Erin!!)

The speakers at Elevate were amazing. They got down to the nitty gritty for us. They opened up, and told their story, for us. I can tell you I wrote only one thing down on my notepad when Kimmie spoke because I was so enthralled in the story she was telling (and shed tears more than once). (For the record, I wrote "you're so much bigger than your blog.") And Ashley surprised me with her openness, bluntness almost, in such a good way, admitting fault and explaining how she learned and changed from it.

What I really took away from Elevate, is that everyone struggles. The speakers, that are so well-known in the blogging community, they are real people just like me. Everyone has their story. As much as we feel like we "know" the girl behind the blog, there is so much other stuff going on behind the scenes, and it's not all pretty. It's hard. Blogging is hard. And it's ok to have moments of weakness, it's ok to be sad and struggle. It's ok to make mistakes, because we all do it. We just have to be sure to use those moments to learn from them.

Ashley and I were on a team for shooting rubber bands and she kicked my ass.

Summer, Jen, and Nichole did an amazing job on Elevate. (Thanks so much girls!) It was the perfect mix of personal and business. I left feeling happy and inspired (and went out with some of the girls to grab a drink in Newport so basically, I made new friends!)

Can I also just add that Lauren is frickin funny. Natalie and her husband are basically the cutest couple ever. Mique is way too modest about her amazingness. Erin is exactly how I imagined her which shows how true to herself she is on her blog. Ashley is a riot, all 4'11 of her. Kimmie is so sweet and genuine. Man, just so many amazing woman!

I'm really glad I sucked up my nerves and went to this conference. It was not the easiest, I definitely was out of my comfort zone. But I know that the more I put myself in these positions, the easier it will get.

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10 Things That Make Me Happy

2013-05-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today's May Blogging Challenge topic is "10 Things That Make You Happy."

Necklace c/o Lisa Leonard. 15% off with the code JULIEANN15! Expires 6/13/13.
Valid for all non-sale, hand-made items, excluding the fair-trade line.
Cannot be combined with other offers.

There's so many things that make me happy.

There's the obvious stuff (family, friends, my shop)...

So let's have fun with it, shall we?

Here's 10, although I could go on forever:

1. Driving with the windows down

2. Wearing dresses

3. Harry Potter

4. Surprises (however I pretend otherwise)

5. Rum and cokes

6. Songs that take me back to a good memory

7. New underwear

8. Long-term friendships

9. Pretty much any furry animal ever

10. Autumn in Michigan

What makes you happy? People? The little things? The big things? Tell me! xo JA

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What I Miss

2013-05-13T08:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's Blog Everyday topic was "What do you miss?" I'm a day late, as I like to enjoy my weekends, but I still wanted to discuss this topic. Are you ready to get personal?

What do I miss? Time with my dad.

One day, soon after my freshman year of college started, my Mom called and told me that she was driving up to my college because she had something to tell me that "wasn't good." She assured me that my family was ok. "Nobody was in an accident or anything."

Three hours later my mom arrived at my dorm and told me that my Dad wanted a divorce. We cried together. I remember my roommate walked in, got an awkward look on her face, and quickly went into the bedroom. I don't remember saying much or asking questions. I didn't know what I was feeling or how this was happening. After 20 years of marriage, a divorce is something I never saw in the cards for my parents.

The next few months are kind of a blur. My family would tell you that I handled the divorce "well" and I think it's because I wasn't around for it. Since I was away at college I didn't witness what my parents went through. I guess I should be thankful for that.

One day, after the divorce was final, I was home from school and my grandma called. I remember her telling me my dad was "sick" for not "getting help" (marriage counseling). I'll never forget that. She called him selfish. She told me I should be mad at him. It was then that I realized my mom's side of the family was angry. Maybe I was naive in thinking they wouldn't be.

What my angry family didn't see was my dad's suffering. And honestly, I wish I hadn't either. After the divorce my dad had no one. Backs were turned. He had no one to talk to. But me. I can tell you exactly where I was, who I was with, what I was doing, when my dad called me one night when I was at school. He was crying. I can't explain how it felt to hear this. To hear my dad, the strong man in my life, show pain, suffering....instability, vulnerability. It threw my off my feet and I started crying as soon as I hung up the phone. My friends immediately surrounded me in a hug and that was really the first time since my mom initially told me about the divorce that I showed so much emotion.

Since the divorce, I have seen a completely different side of my dad. He is so much more open with me about his feelings than he ever was when he was married to my mom. I know a part of him will always feel guilty for not being around as often after the divorce...not being able to "leave his influence" on me anymore. He is constantly reminding me how important I am to him, that raising me was the best experience of my life.

I've thought about whether or not I blame my dad for his decision. I've thought about whether or not I considered him selfish, as my grandma said. My dad was unhappy in his marriage. Should he have chosen to live unhappily for the rest of his life to make other's happy? He stayed until I was 18. He waited until I went away to school. To make it easier on me. To be there for me until I moved away.

I can't be mad at him for his decision. There is no grudge. But I do miss him.

xo JA

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Sponsor Spotlight: The Whisketeers

2013-05-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Today I want to introduce you to my lovely sponsor, Alice, of The Whisketeers. She is joining us from Slovenia to tell you a bit about herself, her blog, and her workspace! Here she is:

"Hi everyone! I'm Alice, the voice behind Whisketeers. For now Whisketeers is a blog, but by the end of the year it will hopefully expand into a shop of my own handmade products for dogs and cats. And speaking of cats - I'm a proud cat mama of 3, but I love all animals. Which is why they are a regular topic on the blog. I also share my favorite quotes, some recipes, DIYs and wishlists, and write about everything else that interests me like design and architecture. Every now and then, I tell you about what's going on in my personal life.

My boyfriend and I just recently moved into a new apartment, so my workspace is a bit dull (watch the blog for regular updates!). I now have one big table, for both my computer, where I edit my photos, and my sewing machine. But I have to admit that I work from the couch a lot, because it's comfortable and I usually have company there - the kitties.

I think this year is going to be a big year for me and I welcome you all to join me on my journey."

Be sure to give Alice some link love here:

Blog // Twitter // Instagram // Bloglovin

Have a happy weekend friends! xo JA

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Transferring Images To Fabric - DIY Tutorial

2013-05-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

I recently found out about Avery Inkjet Fabric Transfers. My mom sent me a newspaper article about them (yes, she mails me articles from the Detroit Free Press, most often ones about how the movie industry is so often filming in Detroit, and how creative jobs are opening up, think she's hinting at something?). Anyways, she sent me an article of projects using Avery Inkjet Fabric Transfers, with a post-it note saying "This made me think of you." So, what else could I do but go to Staples for supplies for a fabric transfer project? So....I made a pillow with song lyrics on it. :] Wanna make one? Here's what I did:

What you'll need:

Fabric Transfer Paper (I used Avery brand)

Scissors

Iron

Digital design

So I drew out my design (Hopeless Wanderer lyrics by Mumford and Sons) to digitize, but if you're not feeling that, you can use any design on your computer, including photos!!

Once you have your design open on your computer, you'll want to flip it, or mirror it. So when you print it on your fabric transfer paper, the image will be backwards. If your image doesn't fill up the entire sheet of paper (for example, I made mine into the shape of a heart) cut it out accordingly.

Next, place your transfer paper design-side down onto your fabric. (This doesn't have to be a pillow! Think shirts, totes, aprons, etc!) The next step is ironing, and for that be sure to follow the instructions on your fabric transfer paper package, as timing and temperature may very by brand. Let cool and then pull the top layer off the transfer paper.

Now....let's see how long this pillow lasts until Penny pulls out all the stuffing.... ;] xo JA

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Things I'm Scared Of

2013-05-06T17:35:00.003-07:00

Today's Blogging Challenge topic: Things That I'm Scared Of.

(source.)

Well, if I'm being honest, I'm kind of a chicken. Although, I do feel myself making small changes (For example, this weekend I am going to a mini blogging conference by myself. I'm scared, but I'm making the effort to face the fear.)

Maybe one day I will become a "Yes Man" and be able to say yes to a lot more with no fear. But not today.

So here are some of my biggest fears:

Flying (aka: being crammed into a germ-infested flying tuna can)
Roller coasters (no thank you)
The thought of zip-lining (which I know I will be forced into one day)
Motion sickness (gross)
The ocean (almost drown when I was young)
Someone breaking in (am I the only weirdo that imagines this terrifying scenario??)
Losing loved ones (this is a normal one, right?)
Spiders (ahem)
Enclosed spaces I can't get out of easily (planes, taxis, buses)

I mean...what a wuss, right?

Basically, I think my biggest fear, which is a cause of a lot of the things on the list above, is not having control. Losing control, putting my trust in something or someone, is what gives me anxiety. Not so much in my emotional relationships, but just in life's physical aspects. Like I said...I'm working on it. :]

What are you afraid of? Did my list strike a couple chords or do you think I'm a big wuss? ;]

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Blackberry Strawberry Alcoholic Popsicle Recipe

2013-05-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

Summer is coming. You want to eat something refreshing while you bask in the sun, but you also could go for something alcoholic because, it's frickin summer and why not? Enter: alcoholic popsicles. Yes, please! I pursued my first alcoholic popsicle recipe this weekend. I'm going to warn you, it has a bit of a kick. If you're looking for something more fruity, and less "oh damn!" I would recommend using a larger ratio of water to your rum in the recipe below.

What you'll need:

2 c of fresh (or thawed) fruit

3/4 c simple syrup

1/4 c fresh lime juice

1/2 c rum

1/2 c water

(again, feel free to change these ratios)

a few drops of any Bitter

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste. According to this recipe, it loses some sweetness after it's frozen, so if it's not sweet enough at this time, add more simple syrup or fine sugar. Then pour in molds and freeze for 5 hours.

When you're ready to eat them, pour warm water over the popsicle mold to help remove the tasty treat. And then enjoy! I plan to experiment this summer with a variety of fruits and alcohols to find out which one I like best. Let me know if you try these, or if you have your own summer treat to share! Happy Monday! xo JA

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My Favorite Quote

2013-05-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm back to the Blog Every Day In May Challenge today! Did you notice I missed yesterday? I missed Day two. Day TWO! Weak Jules, weak. Truth be told, it has been a damn crazy week and most of my time has been spent with my best friends, aka: cards.

Anyways! Here I am, ready to bend the rules (just a little more) on this blogging challenge and focus on Saturday's topic "Your Favorite Quote and Why You Love It."

These lyrics are from the song Twilight by Vanessa Carlton. I saw them some where, I don't remember where, my junior year of college. I loved them and immediately put them in my AOL Instant Messenger "profile." (Did anyone else live on AIM through high school and college? I was obsessed, especially in college when my best friends and (ex)boyfriend went to different schools.)

These lyrics have always stuck with me. They represent so much: growth, strength, optimism, perseverance. There's something to be said about being able to say good bye to your past and move forward. And although you will face challenges along the way, you won't let that stop you. It can be applied to so many aspects of life. I just love that message, so much in fact, that I've thought about getting a tattoo of one of the lines (still thinking about it actually) (do you have any tattoos? I've always wanted one).

Have a happy weekend! I'm planning to relaxxx, hopefully, so I'll see you Monday! xo JA

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My Life Story In 250 Words Or Less

2013-05-01T08:20:00.001-07:00

Today starts the Blog Everyday In May Challenge! First let me say that I am not going into this planning to blog 31 days straight. That just ain't gonna happen folks. But I'm going to do my best to participate, and here's why. The reasoning behind why Jenni came up with the challenge. She says it best: " I want to get back to the basics. You know, the writing stuff. We bloggers feel a lot of pressure to write something "cool" and funny and relatable and enjoyable, and that's GREAT, but sometimes the pressure can be too much."

There is a list of topics for each day. The rules aren't strict. You can skip around, go out of order, whatever you want. If you are a blogger and would like to participate, DO IT!

Today's topic: Describe your life story in 250 words or less. Here we go:

I was born in Detroit, Michigan, September 27, 1984. I grew up in the suburbs of Detroit as an only child. I hated not having a sibling, as there was no one to shift the blame to when I did something wrong. My parents were strict, and I was, for the most part, a good kid (despite those few teenage years, ahem).

I went away to college and I was in heaven. I embraced the freedom to do whatever the hell I wanted (aka: skip class to drive three hours away for a free The Used concert). I finished up my college degree in Photojournalism with a summer internship at Martha Stewart Living's Omnimedia and then moved back home to start "real life."

I got a job at a photography studio, where I stayed for three years making shit money and having no benefits. But my evenings and weekends spent with my best friends are some of the best times I've ever had. It was a bittersweet day when I decided that although I was happy in MI, I was in need of something new. My move to CA shook me up at first and it was not the easiest transition.

But obviously I found the love of my life here, so that combined with the whole running my own business thing, well I'm not sure I've ever felt so content in life. It's been almost 4 years in California, and I can't imagine being anywhere else right now.

So there you go, a quick version of my life story. I thought for sure I went over 250 words but I used a handy word count tool thingy and it said 246. I did it! You should join in and link up for the Blog Everyday In May Challenge too! Tell me your life story.

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Coffee Date

2013-04-30T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've had you over for a virtual coffee date. I'd say it's about time for another one. Shall we?

If you came over for coffee, Penny girl would be waiting at the front screen door for you. She'd jump all over you, tail wagging, butt wiggling. I'd try to remind her to remember her manners, but no, her excitement takes over as usual as she desperately tries to show you as much love as possible.

I invite you to have a seat on the couch, which Penny quickly helps herself to as well. Her front paws quickly find their way to your lap as she tries to give you kisses. I tell her go to her chair across the room so that you can have some space. While she sits down in "her place", she still stares at you from afar, tongue hanging out, tail thudding loudly against the back of her chair, just waiting for her opportunity to come say hi again.

Once we can get more settled in, coffees in hand, I'd tell you how much I'm looking forward to the next few months. We have a lot of plans already on the calendar throughout the summer. Weddings, craft shows, trips to visit home... I'm so appreciative of having things to look forward to, even if a lot of it is work-related. I tell you how I wonder if I work too much, if I'm not taking enough "me time." But that, in a lot of cases, my work doesn't feel like work and maybe that makes it ok so "work" so often.

I tell you that, while I've always been a hard worker, I've always had that 9-5 job where my mind completely shut off from work the second the clock hits 5:00. And weekends? All mine. Now that I don't have those set hours, I worry that work is going to take over my personal time. So, I tell you, I recently hired some one to help me a few hours a week. She is processing my wholesale orders, and I would eventually like her to build up a stock pile of my cards so that I can process orders more quickly.

I take a sip of coffee. Penny takes this break in conversation as a sign that it's time to come back to say hi. She gives you plenty of kisses before settling down in my lap.

I scratch her little ear as I tell you how the thought of hiring some one was scary. But I know it means my business is growing. And that I feel like it's money well spent because it frees up my time for other thing. I really want to make sure my days aren't spent folding cards forever.

I get up to refill my coffee and then give Penny a toy so she will stop trying to lick your face off. Then I join you again on the couch and say.....so what's new with you?

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5 Things You Don't Know About Me

2013-04-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

My friend Emily tagged me in a 5 Things You Don't Know About Me post (like two weeks ago, I'm a slow poke) and I thought that would be fun! It reminded me of my Five Facts Friday posts I wrote back when I first started blogging and was trying to help readers get to know me more. It's been a long time since I've done a post like that so I though this idea would be perfect. Here we go (and thanks to J for helping me with these):

1. I have an obsession with classic cars - Gimme a 1964 Mustang. No seriously, gimme. I would take a 2013 Dodge Challenger too but there is something about an old ass muscle car that gets me excited. I pretty much cannot go passed one without ooing and aahing. Maybe it's my Detroit roots, I don't know. I will own one, one day.

Shirt c/o Rags & Threads ( 20% of with/code JAART20)

2. I can flare my nostrils like nobody's business - Attractive, let me tell you. I'm not sure when I discovered this "talent." I'm pretty sure when I was younger I was told my nostrils would "get stuck that way." Jordan says he's "in awe" of my "nostril control" although he "doesn't necessarily find it attractive." He may not admit this, but he definitely has tried to match me in my nostril flaring abilities, to no avail. If you and I were to meet in person, and you asked me to show off this skill, I would very most likely smile and refuse.

3. I tend to fall asleep during movies - Ok in my defense, this is only in regards to when I'm watching a movie on TV in the comfort of a home. Wait, that's a lie. I definitely fell asleep in the theater to Eat Pray Love, and quite possibly, multiple midnight showings. But the majority of the time, it is on the couch, cuddled up on Jordan's shoulder, with Penny snuggled up under a blanket with me. And I mean, can you blame me for feeling so comfortable and cozy that I drift off into a relaxed sleep?

4. I'm not into makeup - Sure, I wear it if I'm going out at night or on the weekends. But I'm not into owning a ton of makeup brushes and experimenting with eye shadows. The "fanciest" I get is winging some black eyeliner or adding some lipstick. I like to stick to the basics and attempt to embrace my "natural beauty." Unless it's Halloween. Then I go all out to embrace my costume (past costumes have included Ms. Pacman, "struck by lightning," the Tooth Fairy, an 80's Prom Queen - too bad I don't have photos because that makeup was intense.)

5. I have eczema - (Eczema is a dry, itchy, rash-like skin condition.) I suffered from it as a kid, then it went away, and according to my dermatologist it often comes back in adults (lucky me). I regularly deal with it on my hands. Cutting up fruits and vegetables aggravates it and I often have to ask J to do the chopping, unless I have a pair of vinyl gloves on hand to protect myself. Yep, I cut veggies in gloves. New fashion trend? I wonder if I'll ever be able to carve a pumpkin without ending up trying not to rip my hands off from the itchiness. Right now I just try to use medicated creams and a lot of self control to protect my hands and not make the rash worse (and sometimes J will swat at my hands when he sees my itching).

That was fun! Thanks for tagging me Emily! How did I do? Do you feel like you know me now? ;]

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Tips For Improving Your Instagram Photos

2013-04-26T09:21:00.002-07:00

I mentioned on Facebook this week that I have developed an obsession with Instagram. I love being able to share quick and easy sneak peeks into what's going on at JAA, without feeling the pressure of writing a blog post about it. Lately, I have been working on improving the quality of my Instagram feed and I thought I'd share what I take into consideration before hitting that little "share" button that sends my photos to your feed.

1. Throw in some photos from your "good camera" - I know it's extra work to send photos from your good camera to your photo to upload them to Instagram. And sure, the iPhone takes decent photos on it's own. But, in my opinion, the quality of the iPhone photo will never reach the quality of an actual camera (at least not anytime soon). I used to take iPhone photos of new products and post them on Instagram. Then I realized that I put so much time and effort into taking my product photos for my shop, why would I want to promote my products with an Instagram photo? The photos from my shop are so much better, brighter, sharper.
2. Avoid low light photos as much as possible - This is a rule for photography in general I think, but especially when it comes to iPhone photos. You know what I'm talking about, those dark images that pop up on your feed with a grainy, yellow cast over them? Not purty. I now try to wait until the next to take snap a shot of whatever I wanted to share the night before. If you can't avoid a night time shot, trying to include some pretty lights or candles.
3. Use editing apps - If you do find yourself in low light situations, there are editing apps that can really help the quality of a so-so image. I currently use Pic-Tap-Go on almost all of my photos, regardless if they are darkly lit or not. Getting used to the app can take some time but I really like the amount of options they have and it can improve the look of your photos greatly. I also occasionally use the PixFx app if I want to add effects to my photos.
4. Lay off on the pet photos - First off, let me say I am completely guilty of this. I'm also probably completely guilty of clicking "Like" on all of your pet photos. But for me, personally, I am trying to chillax on how much Penny cuteness I share with the world. I feel like, in the past, my Penny photos have dominated my feed, and as much as I love her, that's not what I want my business Instagram profile to be so focused on. Of course, I will never have enough self control to completely stop sharing my floppy eared mutt via iPhone, but I'm taking baby steps to cut down the quantity a bit.
5. Instagram sales in moderation: I am all for using Instagram as an advertising tool (obviously). And yes, it's an easy way to try to quickly sell something. Maybe a few things. But if you want to use your Instagram profile to sell items regularly (I've seen it done daily) I suggest creating a separate profile. This is based on the fact that people can specifically follow your Instagram sales profile if they have an interest in buying your items. For me, when I see Instagramers start to sell items daily in my feed, it's like I'm receiving e-mails from a list I didn't subscribe to. If you're not into making a new account specifically for selling items, I still recommend selling in moderation so followers don't feel spammed.
I would love to hear more tips you have to share! Do you have any rules you try to follow when posting on social media? Or do you have a "loose thumb?"
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Mother's Day Gift Guide

2013-04-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, Mother's Day is quickly approaching. I seriously can't believe it's almost May! Where is the time going? Mother's Day gifts are always a struggle for me, I feel like I always just snag a spa gift certificate at the last minute. So I put together this gift guide to give myself (and you) a few unique, handmade gift ideas for Mom this year.

1. Body Scrub from Simple Traditions - I am obsessed with these scrubs. I stock up all the time so I always have some on hand. It is the best scrub I have found on Etsy. And the smells? You'll want to eat yourself. Wait, what? 2. Gold Bracelet Stacking Cuffs by Amy Waltz Designs - Stylish Mom's are sure to love these trendy yet simple bangles. 3. Hand-painted Mosaic Teacup from MekuDesigns - Mom's who enjoy tea, or even coffee, are sure to love the gorgeous details on this teacup. (10% off with code JULIEANNART) 4. Pottery Ring Holder from DarriellesClayArt - Think about it. Your Mom's cleaning the house, doing the dishes, cooking....how convenient would a cute ring holder be on her kitchen sink? I have one myself and it always comes in handy! 5. Hand Stamped Garden Marker By JessicaNDesigns - My Mom is a gardening fanatic. A garden marker would be put to good use in her flower bed! 6. And of course, what's Mother's Day without a JAA card? Had to throw it in there. Make Mom smile this Mother's Day! Now that I live out of state, I try to be more on top of the gift giving! Do you give Mom a gift on Mother's Day? Just a card? Flowers? Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

How To Stop Being A No-Reply Blogger

2013-04-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I wanted to share this quick and easy tutorial today. I'm surprised to say that a lot of the comments I receive are "No-Reply Comments." If you are one of them, you've got to change that asap!
I have been trying to make a point of replying to more comments. I know I'm a little lacking in this area (only so much time in a day friends) and I still say the best way to talk to me is Twitter. But. I'm trying. I'm making the effort and hitting reply when I get e-mail notifications of comments. And that is how I found that SO many of you are still No-Reply Bloggers! In case you don't know what that is....if you don't set up your e-mail address on your Blogger account, the comment notification e-mails I receive are from "noreply-comment@blogger.com." So when I go to reply via e-mail to your comments....well they get nowhere. It is really easy to change your settings so that e-mail replies to your comments will hit your inbox. So I need ya'll to do this for me while I work on my comment responding skills. When you're logged into Blogger, click on the black arrow in the top right of your screen next to your username. A little window will pop up and you will see a Blogger Profile link. Click it.

On the page that opens, click "Edit Profile" in the top right corner. The next page that comes up with look like the image below.

You want to make sure that "Show my email" is checked, and you want to have the e-mail you want replies to come to filled in under "Email Address." Click Save and you're done! If you haven't taken the time to do this on your Blogger profile yet, well, get on that shit! xo JA
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Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: I Believe In Story

2013-04-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

You may remember Maria, of I Believe In Story. I shared her homemade granola guest post (nomnom) a few weeks ago. Today we are partnering up to bring you a giveaway from her fun shop. Here's Maria:

"I Believe In Story is a new Etsy shop with literary prints and vintage books. The companion blog features eccentric literary/lifestyle posts.

Both the shop and the blog are run by Maria, a literary agent intern in Canada. Her days are spent designing and reading, with frequent trips made to local thrift stores in search of the perfect vintage book, fairy tale collection, or unicorn figurine.

The way to her heart is simple: coffee, books, snail mail, and magic."

Show Maria some link love here:

Shop // Blog // Twitter

Maria is offering one lucky reader their choice of print AND book from her "Inspiration Collection!" (pictured above)

Can't wait? JAA readers can get 10% off your order with the code JAA10.

a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

A Picture An Hour

2013-04-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Jordan got a new camera for Etch's second shooter (aka: me) so yesterday I gave myself a Picture An Hour Challenge so I could get accustomed to the new camera and lens before our next job. It was actually pretty fun to try to think of ways to document my day! Here we go:

8:00am: I started off my day with a cup of french press coffee. (Mug c/o Lenny Mud)

9:00am: Jordan woefully said bye to my pajama-clad self as he left for work.

10:00am: Time for some breakfast. I have a thing for toast with avocado, garlic salt and pepper. Nom!

11:00 am: By now, I started printing out the day's orders.

12:00 pm: Still processing orders, while squeezing in a snack. (New obsession: cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and balsamic. I have never liked tomatoes and now I crave this.)

1:00 pm: J came home for lunch and snapped a shot of me taking orders to the post office.

2:00 pm: I did a little experimenting with dyeing fabrics (starting easy, turning faded jeans black again).

3:00 pm: Break time! I threw the ball around the yard with Penny girl.

4:00 pm: I stubbornly tried to sit outside even though I could barely see my reflective screen. I love the sun too much.

5:00 pm: I skipped a photo here because it was just more computer work. I started drafting a newsletter to send out in the next couple weeks. You can now easily subscribe here if you haven't already!

6:00 pm: I started prepping dinner. Artichoke recipe here.

7:00 pm: J and I worked out together (This is only Day 2 of this new routine. We will see how long it lasts!).

8:00 pm: A little bit of post-workout, post-dinner couch time before I started on this post.
That was so fun to share! I hope you enjoyed seeing an hour by hour recap of a standard weekday at JAA.
Also, don't forget to enter this week's giveaway! MekuDesigns has amazingly detailed hand-painted glassware that you could snag for yourself!
Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Write

2013-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wonder...what if I never started this blog? How different would my life be? What would I be doing today? Right now, I'm sitting outside writing this blog post in the middle of a Monday (feeling like the luckiest bitch). If I hadn't started blogging, would I have spent 8 hours today trapped in a cubicle working for people who don't appreciate me?

This weekend I met for brunch with some blogging friends: Gina, Tammy, and Emily. We spent a couple hours sipping our lattes and talking about the most random shit. Seriously. Random. The kind of stuff that I would talk to my "real life" friends about. It made me realize that my blogging friends are also my real life friends. And if I hadn't started blogging.....these friendships wouldn't exist.

Print c/o I Believe In Story (10% off with the code JAA10)

When I started blogging I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know it would introduce me to so many amazing, talented women throughout the world. I didn't know it would give me the opportunity to go to Australia. I didn't know it would so positively effect my business. Blogging has helped this slightly lost mid-west-gone-west-coast-girl find her purpose. And all because I just sat down one day and....wrote. Without expectations.

I feel like in today's society, people want immediate gratification. They are so focused on quick results that it makes them miss the point. You've got to enjoy the journey or no one is going to want to enjoy the journey with you.

The past two years of blogging has been one hell of a journey for me (I hope that shows through in my posts) and I have a feeling we are just getting started people!
How has blogging changed your life?
Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

The 2013 Mother's Day Line

2013-04-15T08:59:00.002-07:00

Mother's Day is less than a month away, friends! May 12th. My Mom's birthday is actually May 5th (Cinco De Mayo heyyy - somehow I can actually sort of imagine a young version of my Mom doing tequila shots on her birthday every year) so when it comes to Mother's Day, she only gets a card (Kinda convenient, no?).

On this year's Mother's Day line, I wanted to think of everyone. Mother's Day is not just about our moms, but about sisters, grandmas, step moms, that friend who just had a baby (and is making spit up look sexy). So whatever sort of Mom figure you have in your life, JAA has got you covered.

(And I just have to mention....when was the last time you sent your Grandma a card? Too long, am I right? Light up her wrinkly little face this Mother's Day!)

You can find the entire new Mother's Day line, and your favorites from last year, available here.
So often, lately, I have been seeing past customers returning to my shop. It means so much to me that so many of you show continued support for JAA! I hope to continue producing lines that make you want to keep coming back for more! xoxo JA

Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Meku Designs

2013-04-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to partner up with Meena, of MeKu Designs, again. She was featured on my blog soooo long ago when this little space was just starting out. She's back again to share the latest products in her amazing line of hand painted glasses (the fox wine glasses? I die.) Here's Meena:

"I’m Meena, the shop owner and artist behind MeKu. I have an adoration for children’s books, a love/hate relationship with coffee, and a surplus of creative energy. If I hadn’t found my niche in glass painting, I would probably be attempting every other artistic venture under the sun.

Nature, romance, nostalgia and world culture have been key inspirations for me in my art. This is apparent in my designs where you’ll see lush floral arrangements painted onto wine sets, love written in various languages upon coffee mugs, and characters from my favorite childhood story “Alice in Wonderland” depicted onto mis-matching teacups.

I recently moved from the Midwest to Los Angeles....oh you know, to see what all the hype was about. As it turns out, beaches, mountains, and warm sunshine all year round are pretty tough to beat (like, really tough). So...I’m hooked California, I’m hooked. I feel incredibly fortunate for my amazing friends and family and for the wonderful customers who enable me to create pieces of art that connect with people around the world."

Show Meena some link love here:

Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

Meena is offering one lucky reader $75 credit to her shop!

Can't wait? JAA readers can get 10% off your order with the code JULIEANNART.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Welcoming Spring Dresses

2013-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you've noticed from the seldom outfit posts I do, but I like to wear black. Sometimes grey. Sometimes black and white. It's not that I "don't like" colors, I am just, for whatever reason, drawn to black. I do make an attempt to branch out (it just doesn't always work) and to help me with my attempt I thought I'd put together a spring dress wish list, that is of course, colorful.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
I mean, everything is super cute, am I right? So why when I go to the store to I generally skip over all this stuff? I'm telling you, I need to hire Erika as my personal shopper. One day I'm going to fly her down from Seattle and make her go shopping for me.
What's your style like? Are you drawn to bright colors? Are you embracing the crazy neon trend that seems to be around every corner at mall right now? Will you come help me shop? ;] xo JA
Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

How to Add a Signature To Blog Posts In New Blogger

2013-04-09T18:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was reading my friend Dana's blog, The Wonder Forest, and I noticed she had a reminder at the bottom of her post that Google Reader was ending. I've already decided that Dana is a business genius, and I knew this was a great idea to make sure followers can still follow me when Google Reader disappears.
I did a little research, and thanks to this tutorial, I found out it was soooo easy to add an automatic signature to my new posts. (I'm not worried about the older posts so this wasn't a big deal to me.) So in case you'd also like to remind your readers where to follow you, or even just to add a cute name signature at the bottoms of your posts, here's what you do:
Once logged into your Blogger account, click on "Settings", then "Posts and Comments". You will see an "Add" button next to "Post Template". Click this and a box will appear.

In that box, you just add whatever you want to be shown at the bottom of each of your new posts. Most likely you'd want to include an image that is linked to something, so the html you'd use would be something like this be:
<a href="http://www.SITELINK.com" target="blank"><img src="http://www.IMAGELINK.jpg"/></a>
If you do it correctly, a signature will show up in all your posts from now on. You can see my temporary one below. Good luck! xo JA

Don't forget! Google Reader is peacin' out! Be sure to:

Our Roadtrip

2013-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some photos (and a video) from our trip last week. We started the trip by spending the weekend with friends in San Francisco. It was so fun to see them, since it's a rare occasion and had we fun partying it up in the city.

On Sunday we headed to "Part 2" of the trip, that basically felt like the complete opposite of our days in SF. In our plans to drive to Yosemite, we rented a ranch in the nearby city, Mariposa. Now, I had heard all sorts of great things about Yosemite, but this ranch sort of stole the show for me. I found it online, read that it had a hot tub and a fire pit, and booked it. It was a pleasant surprise arriving at the top of a hill with acres of land and pretty views!

(Penny was in heaven, running all over the place!)

I was over excited about the horse shoe pits. There's pits in the backyard of the house I grew up in. I remember my Dad teaching me how to play.

Was drooling over the cuteness of this "tack room."

(Love al the details!)

The house was about a mile hike to a private lake (with a rope swing!!!). We made the trip but the weather was still a bit chilly for that. This is definitely a place we want to return to when the weather gets warm, and with more people! The house has three bedrooms plus a fold out couch, and just in general, a LOT of space. I think we'll be back. ;] Here's a video Jordan put together using footage from the trip:

Also, don't forget to enter this giveaway! A $75 shop credit on the very stylish jewelry of Amy Waltz Designs!

Sponsor Spotlight + Giveaway: Amy Waltz Designs

2013-04-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today I'm partnering up with the lovely Amy of Amy Waltz Designs. Amy's jewelry line is simple, yet modern. She offers some great stacked rings and bangle cuffs, just my style! Here's Amy:

"Amy Waltz Designs (AWD) jewelry is more than jewelry, it's a powerful reminder into our own true uniqueness. Jewelry makes us feel and look beautiful but my hope is that it will be a window into one's own inner beauty and magnificent purpose in life. Perhaps the words intertwined in the jewelry will serve as inspirational mantras or reminders. TRUST. I AM. Believe. LIFE IS A GIFT. Love your life. Fly On.

I would love it if wearing a piece of AWD jewelry would lend you to think a little more positively, respond to yourself with a little more heart, cause you to smile more and walk a little more gently on the Earth, treat yourself and others in a gentler, kinder nature, trusting your great and wonderful purpose in this life.

I hope that by hearing the sound of it delicately ringing as you wear it, you will breath in the message and that you will remember your power, your beauty, your strength and you will embrace the day just a little more, walking a little lighter, letting go a little more, and opening yourself up to the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. And if you feel like dancing, well, then, by all means ... DANCE. And when you do, let the rhythm of your heart carry you to your place of perfect peace."

Show Amy some link love here:

Shop // Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest

Amy is offering one lucky reader $75 credit to her shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway The winner will be announced here in one week and notified by e-mail. Good luck! xo JA

Homemade Pesto Recipe

2013-04-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

I looove fresh basil. It smells so good and is so damn tasty. But sometimes, I don't use it quickly enough and the leaves start to wilt. So when that happens, I turn it into pesto to serve with toast or coat chicken with. It turns out, it's really easy to make with ingredients that I always have in the kitchen!

Ingredients

2 c fresh basil leaves

1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 c extra virgin olive oil

1/3 c walnuts of pine nuts (I used walnuts)

3 garlic cloves, minced

salt and pepper to taste

Add basil and nuts to a food processor and pulse a few times. Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.

Add olive oil while still pulsing the processor. Next add the cheese and pulse again until blended. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Spread it on some toasted bread for a tasty appetizer! xo JA